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Agribusiness junior crowned 2009 Missouri State Fair Queen

Samantha Wilkerson, a junior studying agribusiness management at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, was crowned the 2009 Missouri State Fair Queen. She received the highest score out of a total of 50 contestants in the competition.

Wilkerson is the daughter of Darrel and Nancy Wilkerson, Paris, Mo.

Wilkerson is a member of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources CAFNR Ambassadors who work to promote scholarship, extracurricular activities and friendship. She is also is a member of the MU Independent Aggies, a group that promotes agriculture by assisting youth organizations with funding and learning events.

Wilkerson said she was in awe when her name was called. "After so many years of looking up to the Fair queen and admiring everything she is a part of, I am finally able to be the one to represent the Fair," she said. "I am so proud to be a part of something that means so much to me and my family."

Wilkerson has been a Fair exhibitor in the past having had demonstrations and projects on display in the 4-H Building. She has also served as a Missouri Farm Bureau Collegiate Secretary.

As queen, she will receive a $2,000 scholarship towards her education, and represent the State Fair for a 12 month period.

Wilkerson is the fourth State Fair Queen in a row from CAFNR. Last year Whitney Wallace, now a senior in agricultural journalism, represented the Fair.

Miss Lamar, Stephanie Morgan, received the title of First Runner-Up and a $500 scholarship along with the top speech award. Second Runner-Up went to Miss Howard County Aura Smith who also received top interview and a $300 scholarship.

The title of Third Runner-Up was received by Miss Livingston County Meredith Jones, a MU freshman studying agricultural education. Miss Cooper County Samantha Lester received the title of Fourth Runner-Up.

Other contestants making the top 10 included Miss Miller County Brittany Curran who also received top talent winner, Miss Washington Town and Country Jessica Bauer, Miss Missouri Beef Queen Kristen Wright, Miss Macon County Shinea Farrell and Miss Belle Ginny Devine. Wright is a MU senior studying animal sciences.

An additional individual category winner was Miss Johnson County Sarah Downing, winner of the evening gown competition. Downing is a junior studying agricultural economics at MU.

Four years in a row

This is the fourth year in a row that a CAFNR student was named Missouri State Fair Queen.

2008 - Whitney Wallace
2007 - Katie Allen
2006 - Tyne Morgan

Posted August 17, 2009
Story: Randy Mertens